More homeowners are giving their travel budgets a break and instead choosing to staycation. It’s a great time to dive into improvement projects that not only make your home feel more comfortable during your staycation but also come with long-term payoffs that can boost your home’s overall value. Whether you’re planning to sell soon or just want to create a more enjoyable living space, the following projects are a productive way to spend some of your staycation.
Add Energy-Efficient Upgrades
Assess the interior and exterior of your home to identify areas that could benefit from energy-efficient upgrades that provide the most bang for your buck, while creating a more comfortable and pleasant home atmosphere.
For example, switch the interior lighting throughout your home to LED bulbs, which use significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and can last years longer. Replace outdated exterior lights with sustainable solar-powered fixtures.
Smart thermostats allow homeowners to control the temperature of any zone in their home from anywhere in the world using a mobile device. Some will even learn your routines and adjust the temperature automatically, increasing your home’s energy efficiency and keeping costs in check without sacrificing comfort.
Old, drafty, single-paned windows not only make your HVAC system work harder to heat and cool your home, but they can also be a significant turn-off to future homebuyers. Investing in updated, energy-efficient windows can not only reduce your energy costs but also refresh the look of your home.
Outdated appliances can be another drain on your energy costs. If your large appliances, like your refrigerator, washer, or dryer, are old and under-performing, replacing them with energy-efficient models can save you hundreds of dollars per year on utility bills.
Even if your home has air-conditioning, ceiling fans are an inexpensive way to improve air circulation and keep your main living and sleeping areas cool. Replace older models with modern versions for a refreshed look, and remember to set the fan to turn counter-clockwise in summer to force cool air down into the room.
Enhance an Entryway
Whether you’re on vacation or living your regular day-to-day, clutter is the thief of joy. Get ahead of the mess before your staycation and upgrade a bland entryway to become a usable mud room. Freshen up the walls with new paint, and add heavy-duty indoor/outdoor rugs to keep dirt and debris out of the house. Add hooks for jackets, hats, and bags. Consider shelving, decorative baskets, or cubbies to store frequently used items like sports equipment, sunscreen, bug spray, water bottles, pet leashes, and keys. Carve out space near an outlet to create a charging station for electronics and a place to corral cords and chargers. You’ll spend less time searching for lost items and more time staycation-ing.
Fresh Coat of Paint
Whether you’re painting your home’s exterior or refreshing rooms inside for an updated look, a new coat of paint is one of the quickest ways to add to your property’s appeal and create the comfortable feeling of a well-cared-for vacation spot.
If you’re painting a few rooms in your home or touching up outdoor spots, DIY-ing the project if you have the skills and time could be right for you. However, if your project involves complex areas (a foyer with a vaulted ceiling, for example) or a whole-house exterior, handing it over to professionals may be the most cost and time-efficient option.
Refresh Your Landscaping
Turn your attention to landscaping to enhance your home’s curb appeal and create a welcoming atmosphere, reminiscent of your favorite vacation resort.
Begin with basic maintenance tasks, such as mowing the lawn, edging around walkways, trimming shrubs, and pruning trees. Remove plantings that are dead or dying and replace them with low-maintenance perennials or annuals. A new layer of mulch instantly perks up tired planting beds.
If your budget allows, consider planting shade trees around your property, which can significantly impact your cooling costs in just a few years if you select fast-growing species appropriate for your area. In addition to improving air quality, mature trees typically increase your property value as well.
Finally, showcase your new and improved landscaping with solar-powered spotlights for a dramatic effect, and illuminate walkways for safety with accent lighting.
Create an Outdoor Living Space
Creating a well-planned outdoor space adds more livable square footage to your home. Your options are almost limitless based on how you envision using the space.
Turn a balcony in a condo, apartment, or townhome into an outdoor cafe with a bistro table for two, or a cozy spot to settle in to read with a comfortable chair and lighting. Larger spaces can accommodate a deck, patio, or pergola for outdoor entertaining. Adding an “outdoor kitchen” could be as simple as upgrading your grill, adding a small prep area, and a dining set or picnic table to gather around for meals. Nurture your inner mixologist by adding a rolling outdoor bar cart stocked with supplies for cocktails or mocktails.
Other outdoor projects to consider include building a fire pit, installing an outdoor sound system, and adding comfortable details such as rugs, throw pillows, ambient lighting, and misters to keep it cool. Outdoor entertaining spaces historically rank high on buyers’ wish lists, so creating an outdoor living space now could contribute to your home’s resale value down the road. Investing in summer projects that add immediate comfort and long-term value to your home can be a smart use of your staycation time and money. Small home improvements plus regular care and maintenance can make a big difference in your property’s value, an advantage if you’re hoping to sell your home in the future
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